To become certified or recertified in Wisconsin:
- Required: You must purchase the base training fee with manual (book). This is $43.00. https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/browse_cat.asp?category_id=30
- Required: You must take and pass the certification test (General Farming, Fruit Crops or Greenhouse & Nursery).
- Training: Three training options are available. Self-study (schedule test, 70% pass grade), Online computer-based training (schedule test, 50% pass grade) or In-person training (same day test, 50% pass grade).
There are three certification training options to choose from:
Option 1: Self-Study:
You must purchase the training manual for $43 from patstore.wisc.eduPATstore.wisc.edu
After purchasing the manual, study on your own. When you are ready, call our office to schedule a 2-hour exam session at 608-785-9593. Exams can be taken during office hours but must begin between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. Specific dates and times are dependent on staff availability. This option requires a score of 70% or higher to become licensed.
Option 2: Computer-based:
You must purchase the training manual for $43 from patstore.wisc.eduPATstore.wisc.edu
Self Paced Online Training – You will be sent a link to the training. Once started you have 14 days to complete the training. You will receive one completion certificate that must be shown to the test proctor to be graded at 50%.
Register Here
Option 3: In-Person Trainings:
Registration for In Person Trainings are $10
You must purchase the training manual for $43 from patstore.wisc.eduPATstore.wisc.edu
Testing will occur immediately following the training.
50% pass grade
Find In-Person trainings here: https://go.wisc.edu/greo5e
January 24, 2024 – Eau Claire County
Training / Review in General Farming.
Metropolis Resort. 5150 Fairview Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Must have training manual to attend training. Fruit Crop and Greenhouse & Nursery are welcome to attend and take their respective tests. Those manuals are available in those categories.
January 25, 2024 – Eau Claire County
Hosted by UW Extension and Eau Claire County.
Augusta-Bridge Creek Fire Department, 745 Industrial Dr., Augusta WI 54722
County Contact: Andy Herren 715-839-4712
February 15, 2024 – Buffalo County
Hosted by UW Extension and Buffalo County.
County board room, #3100, 407 S 2nd street, Alma, WI
County Contact: Roxane Weisenbeck (608) 685-6256 roxane.wiesenbeck@wisc.edu
March 12, 2024 – Trempealeau County
Hosted by UW Extension and Trempealeau County.
Tremplo room, #L-15, Trempealeau Co. Government Center 36245 Main St, Whitehall, WI.
County Contact: Steve Okonek 715-538-5097 steven.okonek@wisc.edu.
March 12, 2024 – Vernon County
Hosted by UW Extension and Vernon County.
318 Fairland Dr Viroqua WI 54665 (Basement).
County Contact: Vernon Extension 608-637-5276.
March 28, 2024 – Jackson County
Hosted by UW Extension and Jackson County.
Jackson Electric Coop, N6868 Co rd F, Black River Falls, WI.
County Contact: Steve Okonek 715-538-5097 steven.okonek@wisc.edu.
March 12, 2024 – Vernon County
Hosted by UW Extension and Vernon County.
Hillsboro Public Library, 819 High Ave., Hillsboro WI 54636
County Contact: Vernon Extension 608-637-5276.
Testing:
All testing will be proctored in-person, no online testing available.
To schedule an in-person test for self-study or computer-based training:
- You must call ahead to the La Crosse County Extension Office 608.785.9593
- There is a 2-hour time limit per current Extension policy
- Testing may be done individually or in small groups, depending on county policy
Testing for the In-person trainings will immediately follow the training.
Bring to the Exam:
- Photo ID. The exam proctor will not issue an exam without positive ID (such as a driver’s license).
- Social Security number. Federal and State law require this number from anyone who is seeking a state certification or license.
- Your training manual. Complete the Training Registration form that immediately follows the front cover of the manual and turn it in to the exam proctor. The WDATCP cannot grade your exam, nor grant you certification, until the form is collected.
- You may use a calculator for the exam. However, cell phone calculators, programmable calculators, or those with alphabet keypads are NOT permitted.
Who needs to get certified?
You must be certified if you apply, mix and load, or direct the use of:
- Restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/restricted-use-products-rup-report
- Any pesticide on a for-hire basis
- Any pesticide in or on public schools or school grounds (K-12 public schools)
- Any pesticide in aquatic environments (may also be a requirement of permit)
You also must be certified if you:
- Conduct pesticide-safety training for agricultural workers or pesticide handlers as required under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)
Please don’t hesitate to contact the La Crosse County Extension Office (608.785.9593), the University of Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) Program (608.262.7588) or DATCP if you have any questions.